Pouch loading apparatus

ABSTRACT

A pouch loading arrangement is provided. The pouch loading arrangement includes a pouch rack and a plurality of pouches supported by the pouch rack. The pouch rack includes a base, first and second axially spaced apart leg portions extending vertically upward from the base. A first support bar extends axially from the first leg portion toward the second leg portion. The first support bar has a distal end portion bent vertically upward forming a first hook. A first hook finger extends vertically upward from the second leg portion. The plurality of pouches are supported by the first support bar. The hook and hook finger can support a pouch in an open position to facilitate loading of the pouch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/259,912, filed Nov. 10, 2009, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to fixtures and more particularly, to a rack for supporting plastic bags in an open position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pouches are frequently used in a grocery store or other retail environment for holding items to be purchased by consumer. More particularly, in many grocery stores, a deli or other fresh food section is provided. In these sections, fresh food such as, for example, rotisserie or backed chicken is often sold. These food items may be wrapped or otherwise packaged for sale at the retail environment. One particular way to wrap these food items is to insert them into a plastic bag or pouch. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to hold a plastic pouch or bag open to a large enough degree to insert large food items such as, for example, a whole rotisserie chicken or large items such as a half of a watermelon or other similar food items.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to fixtures for supporting pouches or bags during loading of large items.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide for improved support of a pouch to facilitate loading the pouch with objects. More preferred embodiments support the pouch in an open position so that a user's hands are free to manipulate the object rather than hold the pouch.

As such, in one embodiment, a pouch loading arrangement is provided. The pouch loading arrangement includes a pouch rack and a plurality of pouches supported by the pouch rack. The pouch rack includes a base, first and second axially spaced apart leg portions extending vertically upward from the base. A first hook extends axially upward and is operably supported by the first leg portion. A first hook finger extends vertically upward from the second leg portion. The plurality of pouches are supported by the first support bar. The hook and hook finger can support a pouch in an open position to facilitate loading of the pouch.

A first support bar may extend axially from the first leg portion toward the second leg portion. The first support bar has a distal end portion bent vertically upward forming the first hook.

In one embodiment, wherein the distal end portion of the first support bar and the first hook finger extend, at least partially, axially away from one another. More preferably, the distal end of the first hook overlaps a first extension portion of the first support bar extending between the distal end portion and the first leg portion. In on emore particular embodiment, the first hook forms an angle of between about 35 and 75 degrees relative to the extension portion and the first hook finger forms an angle of between about 120 and 175 degrees relative to the second leg portion. As such, the first hook finger extends axially away from the first hook.

In one embodiment, the first and second leg portions are generally U-shaped wire rods having distal ends attached to the base. The wire rod has a radius of between about 0.1 inch and 0.25 inch. Preferably, the wire rod is formed from non-corrosive or stainless materials. The distal ends of the U-shaped wire rods are threaded and receive attachment structures threaded therein. The attachment structures extend through the base to secure the first and second leg portions to the base.

In one embodiment, the first leg portion has a first height vertically above the base that is greater than a second height of the second leg portion vertically above the base. Further, the distal end portion has a third height vertically above the base that is greater than the first and second heights. In a more particular embodiment, the extension portion of one or more support bars is generally straight and extends vertically upward from the first leg portion at an angle of between about 91 and 95 degrees.

In yet another embodiment, the support rack further includes a second support bar identical to and parallel to the first support bar and further comprising a second hook finger identical to and parallel to the first hook finger.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective illustration of a pouch loading arrangement including a pouch support rack loaded with pouches according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective illustration of the pouch support rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view illustration of the pouch support rack of FIG. 1 (the other side being a mirror image); and

FIG. 4 is a top perspective illustration of a simplified version of a pouch for use with the pouch support rack of FIGS. 1-3; and

FIG. 5 is a side view illustration in partial cross-section illustrating the pouch loading arrangement of FIG. 1.

While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a fixture in the form of rack 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The rack 100 is illustrated including a plurality of pouches 102 that are generally stored thereon for use at a later date. The rack 100 also includes a single pouch 104 that is being held in an open arrangement. More particularly, pouch 104 is illustrated as being held open using the rack 100 such that product can be easily inserted into the pouch 104. This arrangement allows a single user to insert product into the pouch 104 without needing to hold the bag or pouch 104 in the open position. Instead, the rack 100 holds the mouth or open end of the pouch 104 in an open position. This leaves both of the users hands free to manipulate the object into the pouch 104. This arrangement of a rack and a plurality of pouches can be referred to as a pouch loading arrangement.

With reference to FIG. 2, the rack 100 is illustrated free of any pouches 102, 104. In other words, the rack 100 is in an unloaded state.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the rack generally includes a base 108. A pair of upstanding leg portions 110, 112 extend upward from a top surface 114 of the base 108. The leg portions 110, 112 are axially spaced apart adjacent opposite ends 116, 118 of the base 108.

Both leg portions 110, 112 are generally formed, in this embodiment, from bent wire rod. The wire rod is bent into a generally upside-down U-shaped structure. The distal ends 120, 122, 124, 126 of the leg portions 110, 112, respectively, are positioned proximate the base 108. Connecting portions 128, 130 form the bottom or trough portion of the U-shaped leg portions 110, 112. The connecting portions 128, 130 are vertically spaced away from the base 108. The connecting portions 128, 130 laterally connect vertical legs 132, 134, 136, 138. Preferably, but not in all embodiments, the leg portions 110, 112 extend vertically upward from the base 108 in a perpendicular arrangement. In other arrangements, the leg portions 110, 112 could extend at a non-zero, non-perpendicular angle relative to base 108.

A pair of support bars 134, 136 that extend axially outward from the connecting portion 128 of leg portion 110. Support bars 134, 136 are used for storing or supporting pouches 102 that are not currently being used (See FIGS. 1 and 5). The support bars 134, 136 extend axially towards leg portion 112. Thus, free ends 138, 140 of the support bars 134, 136, respectively, are axially interposed between leg portions 110, 112. Therefore, unused pouches, such as pouches 102 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, can be stored on support bars 134, 136.

The unused pouches 102 can be stored on a straight or uninterrupted portion of the support bars 134, 136 that is interposed between connecting portion 128 and distal end portions 138, 140. It should be noted, that in an alternative embodiment, only a single support bar need be provided. Further, the support bar could take numerous other forms. For example, rather than having two separate bars, a single U-shaped bar substantially similar to support bars 134, 136 could be used. With reference to support bars 134, 136, the distal end portions 138, 140 could be connected such that a single bar is provided. However, this would be used for a different style pouch having a different aperture for receipt of the single bar.

Distal end portions 138, 140 of support bars 134, 136 are bent vertically upward. This bent arrangement provides a pair of hooks 144, 146 for engaging the pouches. The hooks 144, 146 prevent the pouches from sliding axially off of the support bars 134, 136. These hooks 144, 146 have two retaining functions. More particularly, the hooks 144, 146 prevent unused pouches 102 from being removed from the rack 100 when the rack 100 is not being used. Further, the hooks 144, 146 provide a means for holding one side of a pouch 104 when the rack 100 is being used to hold open a pouch, as will be discussed more fully below. In other embodiments hooks 144, 146 could be directly mounted to leg portion 110 and the rack would be free of the support bars 134, 136. In any event, with or without the support bars 134, 136, the hooks would be supported by leg portion 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hooks 144, 146 are bent at angle α (see FIG. 3) of between about 35 and 75 degrees relative to the straight extension portions 148, 150 of support bars 134, 136. Thus, hooks 144, 146, and particularly the distal, i.e. free, ends of the hooks 144, 146 vertically overlap a portion of the straight extension portions 148, 150.

A hanger 152 extends axially outward from leg portion 110, and particularly vertical leg 132. The hanger 152 is on an opposed side of the leg portion 110 as support bars 134, 136. In other words, the hanger 152 extends axially outward from leg portion 110 and away from the other leg portion 112.

A pair of hook fingers 156, 158 extend vertically upward from the connecting portion 130 of leg portion 112. The hook fingers 156, 158 also extend axially away from leg portion 110 in the illustrated embodiment at an angle β (see FIG. 3) of between about 120 and 170 degrees. More preferably, angle β is between about 155 and 175 degrees. In this arrangement hooks 144, 146 and hook fingers 156, 158 can be viewed as extending axially away from one another. This arrangement provides opposed stops or hooks for engaging opposite sides of a pouch 104 that is being loaded. These hooks 144, 146 and hook fingers 156, 158 are catch arrangements that hold the pouch 104 in an open position.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, leg portion 110 has a height H1 at the connecting portion 128 that is greater than the height H2 of leg portion 112 at connecting portion 130. Further, the extension portions 148, 150 of the support bars 134, 136 extend axially towards leg portion 112 at an angle θ relative to legs 132, 134. Theta is preferably between about 91 and 95 degrees. This angled arrangement helps keep the unused pouches 102 proximate legs 132, 134 rather than allowing them to slide towards hooks 144, 146. This keeps the unused pouches out of the way from hooks 144, 146 during use. Thus, the height H3 of the extension portion 148, 150 at the distal end portions 138, 140 is greater than the height H1 at the connecting bar 128.

Further, leg portion 110 has a width that is greater than the width of leg portion 112. This width is defined by the outer periphery of legs 132, 134 and 136, 138, respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, distal ends 120, 122, 124, 126 of the leg portions 110, 112 are tapped and threaded such that screws can extend through the base 108 to secure the leg portions 110, 112 to the base 108. Further, in a preferred embodiment, these screws that hold the leg portions 110, 112 to the base 108 also secure support pads 166 to the bottom surface 168 of base 108. The support pads 166 are preferably formed of a non-scratching material. For example, in some embodiments the support pads 166 are provided with a low-slip rubber material. This rubber material will prevent the rack 100 from sliding on a countertop or other flat surface. Alternatively, pads 166 could be provided by felt or other fabric materials to prevent the scratching of any surface upon which the rack 100 is sitting.

With reference to FIG. 4, a representative pouch 102 is illustrated. The pouch 102 is typically formed from a thin plastic film that may be clear or opaque. More particularly, there are a pair of film sheets 172, 174 that are secured on three sides 176-178. The pouch is open on a fourth side 179. This open side 179 provides an opening or a mouth through which product can be inserted into an internal cavity defined between the pair of sheets 172, 174.

The pair of sheets 172, 174 can include seal arrangements 180, 182 that cooperate with one another to seal off the fourth side 179 when operably engaged with one another. These seal arrangements 180, 182 are often referred to as zipper seals. While only a single cooperating seal arrangement, provided by the combination of seal arrangements 180, 182 is illustrated, alternative embodiments of a pouch 102 may include more than one cooperating seal arrangement.

Each of the sheets 172, 174 includes a mounting structure 184, 186 in an upper portion thereof. The upper portion is considered to be proximate the fourth side 179 of the pouch 102. This upper portion is proximate the free edges of the individual sheets 172, 174.

The mounting structures 184, 186 are illustrated in the form of a pair of laterally spaced apart apertures 188-191. Opposed ones of the apertures are axially aligned with one another. More particularly, apertures 188 and 190 are axially aligned, while apertures 189 and 191 are axially aligned such that the apertures are aligned for receipt of hooks structures of the rack 100. In alternative embodiments, only a single aperture in each sheet 172, 174 may be provided. Further, the aperture could be substantially elongated such that for example the entire aperture would have the same width as defined between apertures 188 and 189 of the current embodiment. Further, the alternative embodiment of a pouch could only have one sheet 172, 174 that includes an upper portion through which an aperture or mounting structure is provided. In such an embodiment, an upper portion of the other sheet may be trimmed away such that the height of one sheet is less than the height of the other sheet so that the mounting structure in that single sheet is exposed.

With reference to FIG. 5, the rack 100 is in an operation side view illustration. The rack 100 includes a plurality of unused pouches 102 that are supported on the straight extension portions 148, 150 and are laterally spaced away from hook portions 144, 146 thereof. Further, one pouch 104 is mounted on the rack 100 in an open position. The pouch 104 is supported by both leg portions 110, 112. Further, sheet 174 of the pouch 104 is supported and engaged by hook portions 144, 146 operably attached to leg portion 110. The other sheet 172 is held spaced apart from sheet 174 by the hook fingers 156, 158 attached to the other leg portion 112.

To hold the pouch 104 in the opened position, the hooks 144, 146 of leg portion 110 are passed through and engage apertures 188, 189 of mounting structure 186 of sheet 174. Similarly, apertures 190, 191 of mounting structure 184 are engaged by hook fingers 156, 158 extending from leg portion 112. The opposed angle arrangement of hooks 144, 146 and hook fingers 156, 158 helps prevent the individual sheets 174, 172 from disengaging therefrom.

Once the pouch 104 is loaded with product, the user can remove pouch 104 from rack 100 and seal the pouch or otherwise close the pouch 104. At that time, the packaged product is ready for sale.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

1. A pouch support rack comprising: a base; a first leg portion extending vertically upward from the base; a second leg portion extending vertically upward from the base, the second leg portion axially spaced apart from the first leg; a hook supported by the first leg portion and extending vertically upward; and a first hook finger extending vertically upward from the second leg portion.
 2. The pouch support rack of claim 1, further comprising a first support bar extending axially from the first leg portion toward the second leg portion, the first support bar having a distal end portion bent vertically upward forming the hook.
 3. The pouch support rack of claim 2, wherein the distal end portion of the first support bar and the first hook finger extend, at least partially, axially away from one another.
 4. The pouch support rack of claim 3, wherein the distal end of the first hook overlaps a first extension portion of the first support bar extending between the distal end portion and the first leg portion.
 5. The pouch support rack of claim 4, wherein the first hook forms an angle of between about 35 and 75 degrees relative to the extension portion and the first hook finger forms an angle of between about 120 and 175 degrees relative to the second leg portion.
 6. The pouch support rack of claim 5, wherein the first hook finger extends axially away from the first hook.
 7. The pouch support rack of claim 6, wherein the first and second leg portions are generally U-shaped wire rods having distal ends attached to the base.
 8. The pouch support rack of claim 6, further comprising a second support bar identical to and parallel to the first support bar and further comprising a second hook finger identical to and parallel to the first hook finger.
 9. The pouch support rack of claim 7, wherein the distal ends of the U-shaped wire rods are threaded and receive attachment structures threaded therein, the attachment structures extending through the base to secure the first and second leg portions to the base.
 10. The pouch support rack of claim 8, wherein the first leg portion has a first height vertically above the base that is greater than a second height of the second leg portion vertically above the base, the distal end portion having a third height vertically above the base that is greater than the first and second heights.
 11. The pouch support rack of claim 10, wherein the extension portions of the first and second support bars are generally straight and extend vertically upward from the first leg portion at an angle of between about 91 and 95 degrees.
 12. A pouch loading arrangement comprising: a pouch rack including: a base; a first leg portion extending vertically upward from the base; a second leg portion extending vertically upward from the base, the second leg portion axially spaced apart from the first leg; a first support bar extending axially from the first leg portion toward the second leg portion, the first support bar having a distal end portion bent vertically upward forming a first hook; and a first hook finger extending vertically upward from the second leg portion; and a plurality of pouches supported by the first support bar.
 13. The pouch loading arrangement of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of pouches includes a pair of sheets forming the pouch, wherein the first support bar passes axially through both of the sheets of at least one of the plurality of pouches.
 14. The pouch support rack of claim 13, wherein the distal end portion of the first support bar and the first hook finger extend, at least partially, axially away from one another.
 15. The pouch support rack of claim 14, wherein the distal end of the first hook overlaps a first extension portion of the first support bar extending between the distal end portion and the first leg portion.
 16. The pouch support rack of claim 15, wherein the first hook forms an angle of between about 35 and 75 degrees relative to the extension portion and the first hook finger forms an angle of between about 120 and 175 degrees relative to the second leg portion.
 17. The pouch loading arrangement of claim 16, further comprising an open pouch in an open position, wherein one of the sheets of the open pouch is engaged by the first hook and the other one of the sheets is engaged by the first hook finger, the first hook and first hook finger maintaining the pouch in the open position such that the pouch can be loaded with product. 